In this review, we will be comparing Descend DN8 and SW-15, two Powered Subwoofer speakers from Definitive Technology and Wharfedale. Being Powered subwoofers, they both have built-in amplifiers so you don't need an external power amp or an integrated amp to power them. Let's have a brief look at the main features of Definitive DN8 and Wharfedale SW-15 first before getting into our more detailed comparison.
In the following sections, we will get into details in order to better understand how the Definitive DN8 and Wharfedale SW-15 compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these subwoofers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
The efficiency of a subwoofer is directly proportional to the total radiating are squared hence the woofer quantity and diameter.Both Definitive DN8and Wharfedale SW-15 have a single woofer setup however the Definitive DN8's woofer is 8-inch whereas the Wharfedale SW-15 features a 15-inch woofer.
Frequency Response
Descend DN8 has a frequency range of 35-200 Hz whereas SW-15 has a frequency range of 30-120 Hz. With a minimum frequency of 30Hz, the SW-15 can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the Descend DN8's min frequency of 35Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Subwoofer class in our database.
Low Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
High Frequency
Subwoofer Speakers
Cabinet Type
The Definitive DN8 has a Passive Radiator type cabinet. Passive Radiator type subwoofers sports a non-powered cone that moves in response to the main woofer to move air out in order to generate stronger bass in a smaller body compared to ported or sealed designs. On the other hand the Wharfedale SW-15 have Bass Reflex type enclosure. Bass Reflex type subwoofers (aka Ported, Vented or Reflex Port) have enclosures that uses a port, hole or vent cut into the cabinet. Ported designs are generally more efficient than the Sealed designs.
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Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Definitive DN8's and Wharfedale SW-15's external dimensions. Definitive DN8 has external dimensions of 332.0 x 307.0 x 361.0mm ( 13-1/16inch x 12-1/16inch x 14-3/16inch ) whereas Wharfedale SW-15 has external dimensions of 570.0 x 493.0 x 615.0mm ( 22-7/16inch x 19-3/8inch x 24-3/16inch ) .
Wharfedale SW-15 is clearly the larger of the two speakers. Its body is 186mm wider, 238mm taller and 254mm deeper than Definitive DN8.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Definitive DN8 and Wharfedale SW-15 in scale.
Comparison image of Definitive DN8 and Wharfedale SW-15 Size and External Dimensions
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Definitive DN8 is approximately 1108.3cm2 / 171.8inch2 and base area of the Wharfedale SW-15 is approximately 3032.0cm2 / 470.0inch2. The Descend DN8 requires 63% less surface area than the SW-15 which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a subwoofer may become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often to find the optimal positioning, also known as 'Subwoofer Crawling'. The Definitive DN8 weighs 12.41kg / 27.3lbs and the Wharfedale SW-15 weighs 31.57kg / 69.5lbs. This makes the SW-15 154% heavier than the Descend DN8.
Here is a comparison of how Descend DN8 and SW-15's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Powered Subwoofer class.
Weight
All Subwoofer Speakers
What's in the Box of Definitive DN8?
Here are the items that are included inside the box of Descend DN8:
Powered subwoofer6-feet AC power cordOwners Manual
What's in the Box of Wharfedale SW-15?
Here are the items that come with the SW-15:
Powered subwooferGrille6.5-feet AC power cordUser-feets Manual
 High Frequency Response |
200k Hz
vs
120k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Passive Radiator |
2 x 8-inch
vs
None
|
Increases the bass performance |
 Height |
332mm
vs
570mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
 Base Surface Area |
1108cm2 (307x361mm)
vs
3032cm2 (493x615mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
499USD
vs
1199USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Woofer Size |
15 inches
vs
8 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
30 Hz
vs
35 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
| General |
Definitive Technology Descend DN8 |
Wharfedale SW-15 |
| Brand |
Definitive Technology |
Wharfedale |
| Speaker Type |
Powered Subwoofer |
Powered Subwoofer |
| Max Amplifier Output |
200 watts |
400 watts |
| Frequency Response |
35-200 Hz |
30-120 Hz |
Amplifier |
|
|
| Watts RMS (Continuous) |
200-watt RMS |
400-watt RMS |
| Watts Peak (Max) |
500-watt RMS |
n/a |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
1 |
1 |
| Woofer Size |
8" |
15" |
| Woofer Composition |
Polypropylene |
Paper |
| Tweeter Size |
- |
- |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Firing Direction |
front |
front |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
332.0mm (13.1") |
570.0mm (22.4") |
| Width |
307.0mm (12.1") |
493.0mm (19.4") |
| Depth |
361.0mm (14.2") |
615.0mm (24.2") |
| Weight |
12.41kg (27.3lbs) |
31.57kg (69.5lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Passive Radiator |
Bass Reflex |
| Grille |
n/a |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
3 Years |
3 Years |